Method, Reader and System for Finding Objects

ABSTRACT

In an object finding method for finding an object ( 20 ) provided with a contactless readable data carrier ( 2 ), descriptive data (INF) stored in the data carrier ( 2 ) are transmitted to a reading device ( 1 ) when the data carrier ( 2 ) comes into the effective area of the reading device ( 1 ). In the reading device ( 1 ) the descriptive data (INF) received from the data carrier ( 2 ) are compared with predefined profile data (PRO) in respect of the fulfillment of at least one comparison condition. Upon fulfillment of the comparison condition the reading device ( 1 ) subsequently issues a notification (TRIG).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an object finding method for finding an objectprovided with a contactless readable data carrier, wherein descriptivedata stored in the data carrier are sent to a reading device when thedata carrier comes into the effective area of the reading device.

The invention further relates to a mobile reading device for finding anobject provided with a contactless readable data carrier, whereindescriptive data that are stored in the data carrier are sent to thereading device when the data carrier comes into the effective area ofthe reading device.

The invention further relates to an object finding system with a mobilereading device as mentioned in the previous paragraph and a multiplicityof contactless readable data carriers that can be attached to objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such an object finding method, such a reading device and such an objectfinding system are known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,624,752 B2. This documentespecially reveals a system and a method for detecting and identifyingan object, in which data carriers can be attached to for example piecesof luggage, where the data carriers are configured for wirelesstransmission of an identifiable signal in the high frequency range. Thesystem further comprises a reading device for detecting and identifyingthe signal. Mobile telephones or PDAs are preferably used as readingdevices. The data transmission for identification of the object takesplace by using Bluetooth® or DECT technology.

The disadvantage noticed in the known object finding method, the knownreading device and the known object finding system is that, at themoment of the desired detection of the object by the reading device, theidentification signal needs to be completely known so that detection ispossible. In other words, the exact identity information of the objectto be detected must already be available before the detection process inthe reading device. This naturally restricts the functionality of thesystem to pre-known, unambiguously identifiable objects, such as findinga piece of luggage in the personal ownership of the user of the system.The known system thus lacks of flexibility.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to create an object finding method ofthe type indicated in the first paragraph, a mobile reading device ofthe type indicated in the second paragraph and an object finding systemof the type indicated in the third paragraph, in which the disadvantagesmentioned earlier are avoided.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, features as invented are providedin the object finding method as invented, such that a method as inventedcan be characterized in the manner defined below, namely:

Object finding method for finding an object provided with a contactlessreadable data carrier, wherein descriptive data stored in the datacarrier are transmitted to a reading device when the data carrier comesinto the effective area of the reading device, wherein the descriptivedata received from the data carrier are compared with predefined profiledata in respect of the fulfillment of at least one comparison condition,and wherein the reading device issues a notification upon fulfillment ofthe comparison condition.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, features as invented are providedon a reading device as invented, so that a mobile reading device asinvented can be characterized in the manner defined below, namely:

Mobile reading device for finding an object provided with a contactlessreadable data carrier, wherein descriptive data stored in the datacarrier are transmitted to the reading device when the data carriercomes into the effective area of the reading device, wherein the readingdevice is designed for the purpose of comparing the descriptive datareceived from the data carrier with predefined profile data in respectof the fulfillment of at least one comparison condition, and wherein thereading device is designed for issuing a notification upon fulfillmentof the comparison condition.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, a mobile reading device asinvented and a multiplicity of contactless readable data carriers thatcan be attached to objects are provided for an object finding system asinvented, wherein descriptive data describing the objects and,optionally, additional data can be stored in the data carriers, whereinthe data carriers are designed for the purpose of transmitting thedescriptive data and optionally additional data to the reading devicewhen they come into the effective area of the reading device, whereinthe reading device is designed for the purpose of comparing thedescriptive data received from the data carriers with predefined profiledata in respect of the fulfillment of at least one comparison condition,and wherein the reading device is designed for issuing a notification incase of fulfillment.

The features as invented achieve that objects can be located even if theuser knows only fragments of information about the object. Appropriatedefinition and possible refinement of the comparison condition help toenable the user to successfully achieve the desired search using hisfragmental information. It is possible to define search profiles bymeans of the invention. The reading device is advantageously, but notexclusively, configured as a mobile telephone or Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA), into which the functions as invented have beenintegrated, besides its original functions.

It is advantageous if the notification is a visual, audible or tactilesignal, because in this way, the notification of the user of the readingdevice is easily noticeable and if for example the reading device isdesigned as a mobile telephone or PDA, the required components arealready integrated into the devices.

It is further advantageous if the notification comprises showing atleast a part of the descriptive data on a display. The notification canbe given in plain text, which greatly simplifies the handling of thesystem for the user.

An advantageous variant of the invention is also provided by a method,wherein additional data are transmitted by the data carrier to thereading device, and wherein preferably at least a part of the additionaldata are shown on a display of the reading device. In this manner, it ispossible to show additional information that was not part of the searchprofile, but is of interest to the user. The additional information cancontain, for example, further explanation about the object or themanufacturer or its origin etc.

It is further advantageous if the reading device, on receivingdescriptive data fulfilling the comparison condition from a number ofdata carriers, displays a hit list of these objects, wherein an objectcan preferably be selected from the hit list and wherein the objectfinding method is executed once more for the selected object. The searchprofile can thus be defined so generally that even a plurality ofobjects fulfill the comparison conditions. All objects that fulfill thecomparison conditions are displayed in a hit list, from which hit list auser can make a selection of an object, which is the equivalent of arefinement of the comparison conditions, which will deliver a clearresult. On selecting an object according to the invention, a search isagain made for exactly this object.

Another advantageous variant of the invention is provided by a method,wherein the comparing of the descriptive data with the profile data isdone on the basis of character sequence without taking any datastructures into consideration. This is because it does not require anystandardization of data structures of descriptive data for the searchfor objects, but the comparison between descriptive data and profiledata takes place on the basis of character sequences, so-called plaintext without formatting. The comparison conditions can then be definedin such a manner that no complete match is needed between all of theprofile data and descriptive data or respective parts thereof, but thesimilarity of character sequences (or parts thereof) is considered to beadequate. The use of character sequences simplifies the implementationof the system as invented, because no consensus need be achieved betweenvarious manufacturers about the data structures, but the invention isimplemented independently of the manufacturer. Naturally, this does notpreclude the descriptive or profile data from being built up in astructured manner, but the structures are ignored during the comparison.The user does not, therefore, need to know a possibly existing datastructure.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the comparing of the descriptive datawith the profile data is done on the basis of character sequencescontained in selectable data structure elements. In the event thatstandards for data structures develop in the profile data, or thatself-defined data structures are to be accessed in the profile data, thesearch can be restricted to certain data structure elements and therebyrefined.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the effective area of the reading deviceis adjustable, because in this manner the range of the system asinvented can be restricted. For example, if a plurality of small,neighboring objects (e.g. in a rummaging box) are detected when theobject finding method as invented is executed, and a hit list isgenerated, it is expedient if the range of the reading device is reducedto the selection of an object, in order for the user to be led closer tothe exact position of the object. It should be mentioned that accordingto the invention it is now preferred to configure the reading device andthe data carrier as a Near Field Communication (NFC) Device, MIFARE®Device or Felica® Device, whose range for wireless transmission of datais limited to a few centimeters. The invention is not restricted tothese technologies, however, but is generally applicable.

Another advantageous variant of the invention is available if theeffective area of the reading device has a main effective direction. Theapplication of the invention becomes very easy for the user, because ofthe directional data transmission he not only knows, that an objectbeing searched for is in his vicinity, but even obtains informationabout the direction in which the searched-for object is located withrespect to him or his reading device. It should be mentioned that theNFC und MIFARE® Devices mentioned in the previous paragraph havesufficiently directional effect to be particularly suitable for thepurposes of the invention. One can also consider using infrared (IRDA)interfaces and Bluetooth or WLAN communication interfaces, but it shouldbe remembered that the currently used infrared interfaces require aline-of-sight connection and are heavily directional, whereas thecurrently used Bluetooth or WLAN communication interfaces have nodirectionality. Besides, Bluetooth and WLAN need active communicationpartners that need power supply through batteries or the mains.

Finally, it is also advantageous if the profile data can be loaded intothe reading device from an external source, because so they becomeeasily accessible to the user. Such profile data can be offered, forexample by object manufacturers, for downloading on display shelves, atshop entrances or over a computer network, such as the Internet.

These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will beelucidated, by way of non-limitative example, with reference to theembodiment described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated below with reference to the example ofembodiment illustrated in the single non-limitative FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a block circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of anobject finding system as invented. The object finding system as inventedcomprises a mobile reading device 1 and a multiplicity of contactlessreadable data carriers 2 mounted on objects 20. The mobile readingdevice 1 is configured preferably as a mobile telephone or PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA). For the purposes of the invention, the numberof reading devices 1 existing in the object finding system isinconsequential. The data carriers 2 are configured as what are calledRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags. Only for the sake ofexplanation, let it be assumed that these objects 20 are CDs, which areplaced on a shelf or in a rummaging box and that the data carriers 2 areattached to the CD sleeves. A combination of the data carrier 2 with apaper price tag or with an RFID price tag is functional, but notabsolutely essential. Due to the contactless configuration of the datacarrier 2, it is not important whether they are arranged on the outsideor inside of the cover. The data carriers 2 configured as RFID-Tagscomprise a coupling element in the form of an antenna 3 for receivingelectromagnetic signals 6, which are broadcast by the reading device 1and used for transmitting electromagnetic signals 7 to the readingdevice 1, furthermore a communication interface 4 connected to theantenna 3 as well as a data storage 5. The data carrier 2 can also besupplied with electrical energy with the help of the electromagneticsignals 6 received by the reading device 1, for example if the datacarrier 2 is a passive data carrier conforming to standardISO/IEC-14443. In this case, the reading device 1 transmits an HFcarrier signal of a frequency 13.56 MHz, which carries the pulse widthmodulated information. The range of this embodiment is typically up to 1m. For reasons mentioned below, it is, however, preferable for thereading device 1 and the data carriers 2 to be configured as NFC-Devices(=Near Field Communication Device), for example conforming to standardISO 18092, or to the MIFARE® standard. In NFC devices the range istypically about 20 cm; in devices conforming to the MIFARE® standard itis typically about 2 cm. In a simple configuration, the data carrier 2adopts an active state on receiving sufficient electrical energy throughthe electromagnetic signal 6, the communication interface 4 sends thedata stored in the memory 5, viz. descriptive data INF that identify theassigned object 20 and optionally additional data OPT that furtherexplain the object 20 or contain background information such asmanufacturer, interpreters, classification etc. in a modulated manner aselectromagnetic signals 7 to the reading device 1. The transmission cantake place either continuously or once upon request, when ananti-collision protocol is advantageously run if there are several tagsin the reading range of a reading device 1. In a more powerful versionof the data carrier 2 the communication interface 4 is configured as astate machine or a microprocessor for running communication protocols.Such a communication protocol can for example specify that the datacarrier 2 transmits information only if it is demanded by broadcastcommand or inventory command from the reading device 1. Similarly, thecommunication protocol can provide that the reading device 1 demands thedescriptive data INF and the additional data OPT separately from eachother from data carrier 2. The data carrier 2 can be available in themost varied designs, for example as a chip; but it can also be embeddedin very small forms in objects such as articles of clothing orpackaging.

As mentioned, each data carrier 2 transmits the descriptive data INF ofthe object 20 assigned to it and optionally the additional data OPT tothe reading device 1, if it reaches its effective area (eitherautomatically or, as regularly provided, on request from the readingdevice 1). The mobile reading device 1 receives electromagnetic signals7 transmitted from the data carrier 2 over an antenna 8. The antenna 8is linked to a communication interface 17, which demodulates thedescriptive data INF and optionally the additional data OPT from thereceived electromagnetic signals 7 and feeds the descriptive data INF todata comparing means 9. The data comparing means 9 compare thedescriptive data INF according to at least one comparison condition withprofile data PRO stored in a memory 10. If the comparison condition isfulfilled, then the data comparing means 9 outputs an indication TRIG toa user. The indication TRIG can be a visual, acoustic or tactile signalby configuring the indication TRIG as a signal that drives a lamp orlight emitting diode 13, or a loudspeaker 12, or a vibration mechanism14. In an advantageous design of the invention, the reading device 1comprises a display 11. In this case the notification TRIG beingdisplayed on the display 11 comprises at least a part of the descriptivedata INF. When additional data OPT are sent by a data carrier 2 to thereading device 1, it is also proposed to display at least a part of theadditional data OPT on the display 11, to inform a user of the readingdevice 1 comprehensively.

The profile data PRO represent a search concept, on the basis of whichan object 20 can be identified. For example, a user of the readingdevice 1 would like to search for a CD by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in hisrummaging box. The user creates a search profile by entering the term“Mozart” as profile data PRO through a user interface 15 and brings thereading device 1 near enough to the rummaging box so that the datacarrier 2 immediately next to the objects 20 in the rummaging box comeinto the effective area of the reading device 1 and thus its descriptivedata INF can be read out. The reading device 1 compares the profile dataPRO, i.e. this term “Mozart” with the descriptive data INF received fromthe data carriers 2. Depending on the comparison conditions, theindication TRIG is outputted by the comparing means 9 if there is amatch between the term “Mozart” and the descriptive data INF or a partthereof or (optionally) if the descriptive data INF are consideredadequately similar to “Mozart”. The invention differs from the state ofthe art in which it was necessary to know an exact identification signalor the like already at the beginning of the search so as to be able tocarry out the search at all.

In the present invention, the degree of accuracy of the search profilecan vary. If the user would first just like to know which CDs withclassical music he has in his rummaging box, he can enter for examplethe term “Classic” as profile data PRO through the user interface 15. Ifthe rummaging box contains several CDs whose descriptive data INF matchthe profile data PRO, the reading device outputs a hit list with allthese CDs. The user can select an entry from this hit list, upon whichthe search is again carried out automatically including the alreadyknown descriptive data INF of these selected CDs as profile data PRO.

From the described example, it can be seen that under certaincircumstances it may be difficult to find a certain object 20, if anumber of objects 20 matching the profile data PRO, are placed spatiallyclose together. For this reason it is desirable for the effective areaof the reading device 1 to be relatively small. It is, therefore,preferred to configure the reading device 1 and the data carrier 2 asNear Field Communication (NFC) Devices or MIFARE® Devices, whose rangesfor wireless transmission of data are restricted to a few centimeters.Alternatively, or complementarily, it can be arranged to be able toadjust the effective area of the reading device 1 or to adjust i.e.reduce it automatically to refine the search. Thus, for example, if auser selects an entry from a hit list, the effective area of the readingdevice 1 could be reduced automatically to facilitate the exact searchfor this selected object 20. For the same reason, it is desirable if theeffective area of the reading device 1 has a main effective direction.This requirement is adequately fulfilled by Near Field Communication(NFC) Devices or MIFARE® Devices. Handling of the reading device 1 forfinding objects 20 is very easy for the user because of the directionaldata transmission he not only knows, that the object 20 being searchedfor is in his vicinity, but even obtains information in which directionthe searched-for object 20 is located with respect to him or his readingdevice. In this context, one could however also consider infrared(IRDA)-interfaces and Bluetooth or WLAN communication interfaces, whichhowever posses either a very strong or no directionality and/or need anactive communication partner.

A main feature of the invention is that the comparing of the descriptivedata INF with the profile data PRO is done on the basis of charactersequences, which are called plain text, without formatting. This measureprovides freedom from having to undertake a standardization of the datastructures of the descriptive data INF, which simplifies theimplementation of the system as invented, because no consensus needs tobe achieved between various manufacturers about the data structures, buton the contrary the invention can be implementedmanufacturer-independently. The comparison conditions can be defined inthis case in such a manner that no complete match is needed between thetotal profile data PRO and descriptive data INF or respective partsthereof, but the similarity of character sequences (or parts thereof) isconsidered adequate. The use of character sequences naturally does notpreclude the descriptive or profile data INF or PRO from being built upin a structured manner; such data structures are, however, ignored oncomparison. The user therefore does not need to know a possibly existingdata structure. For the case where standards for data structures evolvein the profile data PRO, or where self-defined data structures in theprofile data PRO are to be accessed, the comparing of the descriptivedata INF with the profile data PRO can be done on the basis of charactersequences contained in selectable data structure elements, whichrestricts the search for certain data structure elements and is therebyrefined. These measures make it possible, for example, to search for thename “Mozart” only in a data structure element called “Composer” of thedescriptive data INF.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is proposed that theprofile data PRO can be loaded into the reading device 1 from anexternal source 16. This can be done for example through a dataconnection to the Internet, or by scanning barcodes etc. For the user ofthe reading device 1 this makes for an extremely simple handling forcreating the profile data PRO, because this excludes operating errorssuch as may occur when entering data through the user interface 15. Suchprofile data PRO loadable into the reading device 1 can be offered, forexample by object manufacturers, for downloading on shelves, at shopentrances or over a computer network, such as the Internet.

The possibilities of application of the invention are multifarious.Besides the searching of objects 20 in a rummaging box, on shelves orthe like, described as an example of embodiment, the invention can beused in libraries for finding books, in shops or lending institutions tofind products with certain characteristics (e.g. pork-free sausages). Itshould be mentioned that the comparing conditions to be defined not onlymake it possible to search for matches or similarities, but it is alsopossible to define exclusion criteria (pork-free) i.e. elements whichmust not be contained. Predefined profile data PRO, downloaded, scannedor entered through the user interface, can be used for example to find atype of wine, recommended in a gourmet magazine, on a shelf of adelicatessen, without having to read the individual labels of the winebottles placed there.

It finally should be noted that the above-mentioned embodimentsillustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled inthe art will be capable of designing many alternative embodimentswithout departing from the scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed inparentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word“comprising” and “comprises”, and the like, does not exclude thepresence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim orthe specification as a whole. The singular reference of an element doesnot exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. In adevice claim enumerating several means, several of these means may beembodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact thatcertain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims doesnot indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used toadvantage.

1. Object finding method for finding an object provided with acontactless readable data carrier wherein descriptive data stored in thedata carrier are sent to a reading device when the data carrier comesinto the effective area of the reading device wherein the descriptivedata received from the data carrier are compared with predefined profiledata in respect of the fulfillment of at least one comparison condition,and wherein the reading device issues a notification upon fulfillment ofsaid comparison condition.
 2. Object finding method as claimed in claim1, wherein the notification comprises showing at least a part of thedescriptive data on a display.
 3. Object finding method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least a part of additional data that are transmittedby the data carrier to the reading device are shown on a display of thereading device.
 4. Object finding method as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe reading device upon reception of descriptive data fulfilling thecomparison condition from a number of data carriers displays a hit listof these objects and wherein an object can be selected from the hit listand the object finding method is carried out once again for the selectedobject.
 5. Object finding method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecomparing of the descriptive data with the profile data is done on thebasis of character sequences without taking any data structures intoconsideration.
 6. Object finding method as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe comparing of the descriptive data with the profile data is done onthe basis of character sequences contained in selectable data structureelements.
 7. Object finding method as claimed in claim 1, wherein theeffective area of the reading device is adjustable and/or the effectivearea of the reading device has a main effective direction.
 8. Mobilereading device for finding an object provided with a contactlessreadable data carrier wherein the reading device is designed for readingout descriptive data that are stored in the data carrier when the datacarrier comes into the effective area of the reading device wherein thereading device is designed for the purpose of comparing the descriptivedata received from the data carrier with predefined profile data inrespect of the fulfillment of at least one comparison condition, andwherein the reading device is designed for issuing a notification uponfulfillment of the comparison condition.
 9. Reading device as claimed inclaim 8, wherein the reading device has a display and is configured toshow as a notification at least a part of the descriptive data on thedisplay.
 10. Reading device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the readingdevice has a display and is configured to display at least a part ofadditional data that are transmitted by the data carrier to the readingdevice.
 11. Reading device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the readingdevice is configured to display, upon reception of the descriptive datafulfilling the comparison condition from a multiplicity of data carriersa hit list of these objects in which an object can be selected from thehit list through a user interface to which object the search can berestricted.
 12. Reading device as claimed in claim 8, wherein thereading device is configured to carry out a comparison of thedescriptive data with the profile data on the basis of charactersequences without taking any data structures into consideration. 13.Reading device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the reading device isconfigured to carry out a comparison of the descriptive data with theprofile data on the basis of character sequences contained in selectabledata structure elements.
 14. Reading device as claimed in claim 8,wherein the effective area of the reading device is adjustable and/orthe effective area of the reading device has a main effective direction.15. Object finding system, with a mobile reading device and amultiplicity of contactless readable data carriers that can be attachedto objects wherein descriptive data describing the objects and,optionally, additional data can be stored in the data carriers whereinthe data carriers are designed for the purpose of transmitting thedescriptive data and, optionally, additional data to the reading devicewhen the data carriers come into the effective area of the readingdevice wherein the reading device is designed for the purpose ofcomparing the descriptive data received from the data carriers withpredefined profile data in respect of the fulfillment of at least onecomparison condition, and wherein the reading device is designed forissuing a signal upon fulfillment of the comparison condition.